openmikes.org

Thanks for the hospitality, everyone! Here's to a new PA without a buzz and an audience with one. Cheers!

Ryan Michael Galloway (1/2010)

I look forward to playing this open mike on December 28, 2009. Joining me will be local, Erick Blackwelder. I grew up in Alexandria, and now make my home in Dallas. I'm a veteran performing songwriter, author, and nominee for Texas State Musician 2009. Can't wait to hear everyone.

Ryan Michael Galloway (12/2009)

James said in 12/2005 that the host moves his performer pals to the front of the line, that newcomers play at closing time, or may not play at all if closing time arrives prior to performing. It's Eddie's show, he's the host, and so Eddie's loyalty to the performers who are loyal, regular performers for Eddie makes perfect sense. My pal who is a very popular professional performer around Dallas will be here with his family for the holidays. He's for open mic Monday, December 28. We played in bands together in high school, so he asked me to sit in on a couple of tunes that night.

QUESTION: Does anyone know if some of his regular performers are away from town during the holidays? Moreover, do fewer performers show up during the holiday season, thereby giving a new-comer from Dallas a shot at performing before closing time?

Thanks for your help,

Erick

Erick Blackwelder (12/2009)

NOTICE: Tiffany Tavern is closed today 12/21/09 due to inclement weather.

I have been playing at TT since mid 2006 and hosting for almost a year now. There are different hosts each night and alternating weeks, my group "Live As Ever" hosts alternating mondays. All of the hosts take pride in letting everyone signed up play at least 2-3 songs even on busy nights, and there is little of the favoritism cited by James in 12/2005 although call-ins are usually respected. As for Erick, as a fellow Dallasite, please join us. And Fred, you blow a mean harp!!

Bob Tillotson (12/2009)

This is the only place I've ever been to (and I've been to hundreds across North America) that has an open mike on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. So, the atmosphere is very laid back. Jim and Bob bring a huge book of covers, and do a really nice job setting the tone. They play well, they sing well, and they're wonderful low key hosts. They encourage everybody who walks into the place to sign up to play, and they offer their instruments to those who forgot theirs at home. When I walked in, Jim was hitting the opening chords to "Honky Tonk Women". I motioned "G?" with my hands, got the nod and was on the stage in 10 seconds flat adding a little harmonica stuff. And Bob was remarkably cordial - giving up his solo on virtually every song I was invited to play… and that was most of them. It doesn't get any better than this - a neighborhood bar, young friendly crowd, and warm, enthusiastic open mike hosts. By the way - there was no bluegrass the night I went. Mostly Beatles/Eagles/Stones/Clapton kinds of covers. One open miker did a combination of covers and originals. Nice stuff, indeed.

Fred Bement (10/2009)

Virginia is not Mid-Atlantic. Its the Southeast. Thanks.

Robert (6/2009)

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